To Screen or Not Is Not the Question— It Is When and How to Screen

genome has been sequenced, along with those of more than 1000 viruses and 100 microbes (see the National Center of Biotechnology Information’s list of completed and ongoing projects2). The stage is set for the identification of the approximately 30 000 genes thought to be present in the human genome. There are as yet only 1300 genes listed in the databases for human diseases (see the Human Gene Mutation Database at the Institute of Medical Genetics in Cardiff3). One would expect that within the next 5 to 10 years, all genes in the human genome will be identified. Additional decades will be needed to determine their roles in human diseases and develop techniques to manipulate them to the benefit of human beings. Nonetheless, the genetic revolution is well underway, and we in the cardiovascular world must prepare for its application and consequences. The